We’ve just released Episode 141 of the Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast.
Our synopsis is below:
TDU IS BACK IN TOWN! After a restful break, we return to the airwaves to discuss all the recent Chargers news and the team’s 2026 offseason plan. Oh yes, Hortiz has made his first big move of free agency this morning signing a new starting Center, former Commander Tyler Biadasz, to a 3yr, $30m deal. But there are still so many questions left to answer. Is some Mega Trade on the horizon? Which free agents (internal or external) will Hortiz prioritise applying the most cap space in the NFL towards? We address it all on our first show of TDU Season 5. Don’t miss it!
You can also listen on Spotify below (or download on audio wherever you like to listen to podcasts):
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Hope you enjoy the episode! Thanks so much for listening 🙂
Alister (@TDU_Alister)
Players I expect the team to target in FA
§ RB Kenneth Gainwell (26.9yo, 5’9”, 200 pounds, 2021 (5 years exp), Philly Eagles, 5 (151), Memphis Tigers)
· Most carries (120), yards (557), TDs (5) in 2025 with the Steeelers, 4.6 ypa
· 77 catches, 512 yds, 3 TDs in 2025
· Good kick returner (75.0 PFF Grade in 2024 & 2025). Doesn’t return punts.
· Another good zone scheme fit
· PFF projects 2yr, $8m ($4m guaranteed)
§ WR Mike Evans 31.5yo projected at 1yr, $18m
§ TE Jonnu Smith (30.5yo, 6’3“, 248 pounds, 4.62 forty, 2017 (9 years exp), Tennessee Titans, Rnd 3 (100), Florida International Golden Panthers
· Delanie Walker mould, not a run blocker
· Coming off a down year in Pittsburgh but had 88 catches for 886 yds, 8 TDs with Mike McDaniel in 2024
· No impact on comp pick formaula as a released player
· Played for $5.128m cap hit in 2025
· I’d offer 1yr, $3.5m
§ TE Charlie Kolar (27.0yo, 6’6“, 257 yds, 2022 (4 years exp), Baltimore Ravens (4 (128), Iowa State Cyclones
· Great run blocker.
· 991 career snaps (683 as a run blocker)
· Projected at 1yr, $1.75m.
· I’d give him 2 yrs, $5m ($3m guaranteed)
§ G Isaac Seumalo (Arthur Smith’s zone scheme last year, for 73.3 Grade, projected at 1yr, $8m)
§ LB Leo Chenal (25.3 yo, 6’3”, 250 pounds, 2022 (4 year exp), Wisconsin Badgers)
· Plays about 500 snaps per season
· PFF Grades of 84.0, 81.5 and 75.1 from 2023-2025
· Elite in Run Defense to complement Henley
· 2x Super Bowl Winner in first two seasons as a Pro
o 86.0 Grade in the win v Eagles, 4 Run Stops
o 92.0 Grade in the win v 49ers, Forced Fumble)
· Projected at 2yr, $12m ($10m guaranteed)
· I’d offer 2yr, $15m ($10m guaranteed)
Other players I think could be targeted due to value, scheme fit or past experience with Chargers coaches/front office (underlined = best value or makes the most sense in my opinion)
§ RB Tyler Allgeier (25.8yo, 5’11“, 220 pounds, 2022 (4 years exp.), Atlanta Falcons, Rnd 5 (151), BYU Cougars
· Only 676 carries from 4 seasons (low wear and tear), very high PFF grades averaging 4.3 ypc (3.27 YCO/A)
· Heavy Zone experience (3:1 career ratio)
· PFF projects 2yr, $10m ($5m guaranteed).
§ DE Jadeveon Clowney (33 yo, 79.2 Grade last season)
· 372 snaps, 9 sacks, 40 pressures, 27 Run Stops
· Played for 1yr, $3.5m
· I’d happily pay him 1yr, $7.5m to be Edge 4 with Dupree gone§
RB Rachaad White (zone scheme)
§ RB Raheem Mostert (with McDaniel in San Fran and Miami, had 1,045 rush yards, 18 TDs in 2023, only 22 carries with the Raiders in 2025 for 104 yds)
§ WR Jalen Nailor (27yo, 6’0”, 190 pounds, 4.50s forty, 2022 (4 years exp), Minnesota Vikings (6 (191), Michigan State Spartans)
· 400+ yds in 2024 & 2025
· Averages about 15.0 yards per reception.
· Vertical threat with decent skills
· PFF Projects: 1 yr, $3.5m
· Maybe redundant with KLS?
§ WR Deebo Samuel (Mike McDaniel connection, projected at 2yr, $32m, $20m guaranteed)
§ WR Rashid Shaheed (speed threat, projected at 3yr, $42m, $24m guaranteed)
§ WR Tyquan Thornton (speed threat)
§ WR Hollywood Brown (speed threat/Baltimore)
§ WR Tutu Atwell (speed threat)
§ TE Darren Waller (Previous experience with McDaniel)
§ TE Tyler Higbee
§ TE Durham Smythe (Previous experience with McDaniel)
§ G Alijah Vera-Tucker
§ G Dylan Parham (63.6 Grade in 2025)
§ G Ed Ingram (73.8 Grade in 2025 with Houston)
§ G Daniel Brunskill (32yo, with McDaniel in Miami and SF last year, 60.6 Grade and 176 with Miami (C, RG, ITE). This is the new Tucker Fisk type. $1.3m
§ G Liam Eichenberg (28.1yo, 1,036 at RG for Miami in 2024 (53.1 Grade, spent year on PUP list with a serious leg injury)
§ G Cole Strange (27.5yo, 808 snaps at RG for Miami last year (54.9 Grade), 1 yr, veteran minimum
§ DT Calais Campbell (39 yo, 6 sacks in 2025, with Mike McDaniel in 2024 where he had a 82.3 Grade)
§ CB Rasul Douglas (30 yo, 851 snaps and 72.7 Grade with Miami last season. Played outside CB. PFF’s 19th ranked corner of 114)
§ CB Chidobe Awuzie (30 yo, Baltimore last season, 75.4 Grade)
§ S Jordan Poyer (34yo, spent time with McDaniel in 2024, playing 964 snaps at a 62.5 Grade)